2008 Woodie Awards
Faculty rally for diverse literature
A.J. Focht
Issue date: 10/3/07 Section: News
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Many gathered with signs with sayings such as "I love books," or "Keep your bans off my books" at Monday's rally. The activists showed their support during banned book week.
Stephanie Wiegand, a reference librarian at the University of Northern Colorado and organizer of the rally, said the two reasons they were holding the rally were to act on why books are still challenged and banned in America, and to show that UNC does not ban books.
"We like to make sure we have books that offer a diverse view even if they are banned in other places," said Wiegand.
This includes books such as "And Tango Makes 3" by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, the most challenged book of 2006. The book is a true story about two male penguins in a zoo that adopt and take care of baby penguins. The children's picture book has been challenged nationwide.
"People should have access to books no matter what is in them. As far as banned books and children, each parent should individually help their child choose," said Pam Newberg, UNC cataloging manager.
Many popular books are also some of the most challenged. This includes "DaVinci Code" by Dan Brown, the "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling and even the Bible. All of these and many more meet frequent challenges and some are even banned in certain parts of the United States.
Some of the most challenged books of all time include: "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou, and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain.
Because UNC's library is a college library and not a public library, it carries many of these books without verbal repercussions. This makes the UNC library a great resource to read books from all takes and perspectives.
"UNC is committed to intellectual freedom and letting people choose what they read," said Sarah Naper, a business reference librarian.
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